Electrical connector



5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR: 7744.120117 WKUET.

BY y f LUIAToRNraY 7 Nov., 1l, 1958 H. w.fKosT ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed March 1s. 1953 Nov. 11, 1958 H. w. KosT ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 15, 1953 INVENTOR 51301317 W Kas T BY W ATTORNEY Nv.1l1,195s H w KO'ST 2,860,197

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed Haren 15.' 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 /77 7/ l?? /75 /74/9 .l Hl 27 nu. l l] "/nl,

"Hl ml HAMM I/I/ Kastl.

United States Patent O ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Harold W. Kost, Ottawa Hills, Ohio Application March 13, 1953, Serial No. 342,171

3 Claims. (Cl. 19112) This invention relates to electrical connectors and, more especially, to connectors of the exible conductor or cord type for use in conducting electric current to currentconsuming appliances and apparatus.

It has been conventional practice to utilize lengths of flexible insulated conductors or cords for providing electrical energy conveying means between a current supply outlet and an appliance, especially those appliances which are of a portable or movable character, such as toasters, coiee makers, motor-driven food mixers, llat irons, radios and the like. In many instances several appliance connectors or cords are joined `with a single power outlet through suitable multiple-outlet fittings, such an arrangement presenting an unsightly assemblage of connector cords, even though one or more of the connected appliances are in use for only short periods of time.

The present invention embraces an electrical connector of a character which may be readily disconnected from either the power source or the appliance and stored in compact condition when not in use.

An object of the invention is the provision of an electrical connector of the exible cord type associated with a rotatable supporting element or reel adapted to store the connector when the latter is out of'use.

An object of the invention resides in the provisionof a rotatable cord-storing reel embodying means for establishing a positive electrical connection or contact with a power source irrespective of the` extent that the cord or electrical connector is unwound or withdrawn from the reel.

Another object of the invention resides in a reel construction supporting an extensible current conductor or cord adapted for connection with a power source embodying resiliently biased means effective to establish a circuit at all times between the current conductor or cord and the power source andA resiliently urging the reel in one direction of rotation to automatically wind the cord upon the reel.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a current conductor storage means which may be incorporated in a current-consuming appliance or` may be permanently installed in a building or supporting structure and utilized as a current supply outlet.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an electrical conductor and storage reel assembly which may be utilized as a portable means for conducting electrical energy from a stationary current outlet or power supply to a current-consuming appliance, the assembly being arranged whereby the current conductor may be maintained in stored position when not in use.

A further object of the invention is the provision of inexpensive yet effective means associated with the rotatable current conductor receiving reel and the reelsupporting means engageable with the current conductors for relieving the electrical connections from tension or mechanical shock that may be imparted to the conductors during use of the reel construction.

Further objects and advantages are within therscoepe` Figure 10;

2,860,197 Patented Nov. 11, s

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facture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specication and drawing of a form of the invention, whichl may be preferred, in

which:

Figure 1 is a side elevationalV view showing a form of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the construction shown in Figure l;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 of the opposite side of the construction;

Figure 4 is a sectional viewtaken substantially on the line 4--4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the structure illustrated in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a current-consuming appliance illustrating a form of the invention :incorporated therein;

Figure 7 illustrates a form of the invention utilized for direct connection with a conventional current supply outlet;

Figure 8 is a view illustrating an installation of the invention as a permanent current supply connector;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing a modified form of mounting for the cord-supporting means;

Figure 10 is an elevational view illustrating a modified :form of the invention;

Figure 12 is a detail` sectional view` taken substantially on the line 12- 12 of Figure 10;

Figure 1.3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 13713` of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view through the hub of a reel showing another form of means of securing a cordV to the hub;

Figure l5 is an elevational view showing a modied form of reel-supporting means and enclosure therefor, and

Figure 1,6 isa detail view showing current-conducting means embedded in a reel-supporting means.

While the arrangement of the invention is particularly adapted` as an extension cord connector for electrical household appliances, it is to be understood that the princ iples of the invention may be adapted for use with other types of current-consuming equipment.

Referring to the ldrawings and initially to Figures 1 through 5, ithere isV illustrated a form of the invention wherein the cord-supporting` reel construction is journally mounted upon a1 support 10` formed with substantially parallel, spaced wall or leg portionsll and 12 connected b y a base portion" 14 as shown in Figure 2. The portion 14 may-be provided with openings to accommodate securing screws 15 formounting the construction upon a suitable surface or appliance.

The cord-supporting arrangement includes a reel: or spool construction 18 which is formed with spaced disklike flanges or wallsv 20 andV 21 and a central drumI or hub portion 22. The flanges 20 and 21 and the hub or drum 22l arepreferably molded of nonmetallic material in an integral unitalthough the-flanges may be assembled to; the hub portion as independent members if desired.

. In the form` shown, the hubportion must betformed` of insulating material. Disposed axially4 of the reel` atthe sides thereof are hub` members, 24 andi 25 having tenon portions 26 which are received into openings formed in the `portions 1,1 and 12 of the support 10, In the embodiment illustrated, the members. 24 and 25 are relatively Astationary with respect to the support 10 and thereel; 18

.members revolves relative to members 24 and 25. Eachv of the hub members 24 and 25 is formed with a keyway or recess to receive a projection 16 formed on the wall portions 11 and 12 to avoid Vrelative rotation ofthe hub As particularly shown in Figure 5, the hub or drum portion 22 of the reel is provided with axial bores adapted to snugly receive pins or stub shafts 28 and 29, the juxtaposed ends of the pins being separated by insulating material of the hub as indicated at 30. The member 24 is bored to snugly receive a sleeve or bearing bushing 32 which forms a support for the pin or trunnion 28,

and member 25 is bored to accommodate a similar s leeve 33 of shorter length and journally supports the p1n or trunnion 29. Through this arrangement the reel 18 1s vjournally supported for rotation about the axis of the pins or trunnions 28 and 29 which are in aligned relation and are journaled in the relatively stationary bearing sleeves 32 and 33. The ends of the bores in members 24 and 25 are closed by suitable plugs 36 and 37 of nonmetallic material such as resin or plastic.

Means is provided to bias the reel in one direction of rotation to automatically wind the cord 55 upon the drum 22 of the reel. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the biasing means includes a coil spring 40, preferably formed of a flat strip of spring steel or the like, disposed in a chamber or recess 48 formed in the flange 21 of the reel 18. The inner end, viz., the end adjacent the hub member 24, is provided with a hook portion 42 which vengages in a recess 43 formed in member 24. The outer end of the spring 40 is provided with a hook-like portion f45 which engages in a recess 46 formed in the circular Wall 47 defining the perimeter of the chamber 48. The member 24 may be formedV with a radially extending, disk-like llange or wall 50 which serves to enclose the chamber 48 containing the spring 40 preventing damage to the spring and the ingress of dirt and foreign matter` into the chamber. As viewed in Figure 3, the spring 40 normally biases the reel 18 for rotation in a clockwise direction indicated by the arrow A tending to wind the cord 55 upon the drum 22 of the reel 18.

The method and arrangement of supporting the reel or spool 18 facilitate and make possible the vestablishment of electrical connections between current supply conductors and the ilexible current-conducting member or cord 55, the latter being normally wound upon the drum 22. The cord 55 is of the dual-conductor type having electrical conductors 57 and 58, each being individually insulated by a covering 59 of rubber, vplastic or any suitable insulating material. Each of the conductors 57 and 58 is formed of a linear bundle or strand of ne metal wires. The drum portion 22 of the reel is formed with radial passages 60 and 61 respectively intersecting the bores containing the pins or shafts 28 and 29.

In order to establish electrical connection between the conductors of the cord 55 and the reel-supporting pins 28 and 29, the uninsulated extremities of the conductors are projected into the passages 60 and 61 formed in the drum 22 before the pins 28 and 29 are driven or pressed -into the bores in the drum. As particularly shown in Figure 5, the insertion of the pins 28 and 29 causes the fine wires of the'conductors 57 and 58 to be drawn along the cylindrical periphery of the pins, the extremities ofV the ne wires of the conductors also occupying theV bottoms of the bores which are contacted by the pins 28 and 29. In this manner the tine wires of the conductors are frictionally locked in contact ,with the surfaces of the Vreel-supporting pins to form circuit connections and to Vsecure the inner end of the cord 55 to the drum. The i insulation covering 59 on each of the conductors isrnormally molded into a single cable or cord 55 as shown 'n Figure 2. In order to etfect the connections of the conductors to the pins 28 and 29, the insulated conductorsv are split from the integratedV` cord 55 as shownvin I Figure 2. l 'Y installation in an appliance such as a toaster The cord and drum assembly is particularly illustrated in Figure 4 wherein electrical connections are established between each of the conductors 57 and 58 of the cord 55 through the pins 28 and 29 to the bushings 32 and 33 in the manner above described. Current-conducting means is connected to each of the bushings for establishing a circuit with a current supply. As shown in both Figures 4 and 5 the hub portions 24 and 25 are provided with radial bores to receive the ne wires of metallic conductors 67 and 68 forming current conductors for connection with a current supply or in the alternative are connected toY an appliance in a manner hereinafter explained. A circuit connection is established between the bushings or bearing sleeves 32 and 33 and the line wires of the conductors 67 and 68 in substantially the same manner that current connections are made between conductors 57 and 58 and the pins 29 and 28, that is, the bearing sleeves or bushings 32 and 33 are pressed or driven into the axial bores formed in the hubs 24 and 25 causing the ne wires of the conductors to be frictionally locked in contact with the cylindrical peripheriesof the bushings 32 and 33. The current conductors 67 and 68 are insulated by sheathing 70 and 71 except atrthe zone of engagement of the conductors with the metal bushings.

An effective electrical connection is maintained between conductors 58 and 67 and conductors 57 and 68 through the trunnion pins and bushings under the influence of the spring 40 which exerts a biasing pressure holding the pins or shafts 28 and 29 in constant Contact with the bushings 32 and 33, respectively, whether the cord 55 is in static position or is being wound or unwound relative to the drum portion or spool 22, Thus, irrespective of the extensible position of the cord 55 with 'respect to the reel, an operative circuit is established through the reel-supporting means.

The arrangement of the invention is adaptable in various ways for establishing circuit connections between a current supply and a current-consuming appliance or unit. For example, the conductors 67 and 68 may be connected to conductors of a current supply and the frame 1t) of the reel construction secured to a suitable support 16 by means of screws 15 in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 2. With this type of mounting, the frame 10 supports the reel in a relatively stationary location and the applianceconnecting cord 5S may be unwoun-d from the reel so as to engage the male-type connector or plug 56 at the 'extremity of the cord with a suitable female connector 'or receptacle carried by a current-consuming appliance to which current is to be supplied. During winding or unwinding of the cord 55 on the drum 22 of the reel, the reel 18 is rotated while the hub portions 24 and 25 remain in stationary position with respect to the supporting frame 10. When the cord is being extended, that is, unwound from the drum 22, the reel is rotated in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3 causing the spring 4@ to be -wound up. The tension of the spring 48 impresses a -continuously acting biasing pressure through the reel hub 22 and through the pins 28 and 29 to assure a constant engagement and electrical connection between the pins or trunnions and the reel-supporting bushings. The biasing pressure of the spring 40 exists in any position of the cord 55. Thus current may be conveyed to an appliance by simple joining the connector 56 of the cord 55 with the current-consuming appliance.

Figure 6 is illustrative of another use of the connector of the invention wherein the reel and cord assembly is carried by the appliance and the cord isV adapted to be extended to establish a current connection between the connector 56 and a current outlet connection which is permanently attached to current supply. A typical 8l? is illustrated in Figure 6. As shown, the toaster includes a frame member 83 to which the reel frame l0 may be sep cured by means of suitable screws 84. The conductors contained within the insulating sheaths 70 'and 71"are respectively c onnected to terminalsSS and 86 supported upon insulating means Vcarriedrby the frame 83 `and connected to the heating units S8 of the toaster. The `extensible cord 5,5 is guided to thereel by va suitable grommet 89 carried by Vthe housing Iof the toaster 80. `When the toaster or other appliance is not in use, the connector 56 may be released from vits connection with a current outlet or supply xture, and under the inuence of the Icoil spring 40, the cord is automatically rewound upon the reel 1S until the insulation block 56 ofthe connector 56 engages the grornm'et 89. With the installation of the reel construction of the invention in any current-consuming appliance in the manner shown in Figure 6, the appliance may `be utilized in any position within the extensible range or lengthv of the cord 55. When the appliance is not in use, the cord remains wound upon the reel vand is thus stored within theappliance.

The arrangement of the present invention may be utilized as an auxiliary extension where an appliance is used in a position where the conventional appliance cord isof insuicient length to connect `the appliance with a current'supply outlet. Suchan arrangement is shown in Figure 7 `wherein -theframe `10 supporting the reel 18 is secured to a member or plate 95 of insulating material by means of rivets L96; the plate'95 of insulating material may be provided with projections 98 and-99 of spring brass or other metal for insertion into a conventional current supply foutlet or receptacle mounted ina wall 101. The projections 98-and 9`-9are secured to-the plate 95 by means of -rivets 102 -or other suitable securing means. `The extremities of the conductors enclosed in the insulating sheaths 70tand 71 may be secured to the rivets 102 bysoldering or other means-so as to establish circuit connections Ibetween theprojections 98 and 99 and the'conductors vin the connector cord 55. Thus in the arrangement shown in-Figure 7 the reel construction being `secured to the insulating plate 95 maybe mounted or supported by an outlet box 100 of conventional character through the'insertion of the projections 98 and 99 in openings in theioutlet box. `When the reel and cord arrangement is -used'in this manner, the free end of cord 55 is provided with a female tting 104 and is adapted vto receive prongs or connectors 106 of a conventional cord'107 connected to a current-consuming appliance (not shown).

Figure 8 isillustrative of the reel and cord construction of theinventionmounted in a metal fixture or box forl permanent 'installation in the wall of a building or upon any other support. Theixture or box :110 may be of conventional character formed ofsheet metal having ear portions 112 secured to the buildingwall 114 by means of screws 115. Thefront ofthe box is of open construction and is -adapteditofbe closed `by anescutcheon orcover plate 11'8 held to the box 110 bymeans of screws 119.

The-reel construction 18 is :contained within the 1'box 1110, the frame or support; of the reel construction being `secured to the rear wall 120 of the fixture or box by means of rivets 121or other securing means. The conductors :'70 and 71 ymay be permanently joined as by soldering to conductors .125 and 126 contained within a metalfsheath or cable ;127, the wires or conductors 125 and 126 `being `connecte-d to a sourceof currentsupply. The extensible cord55gpassesthrough a suitable opening v130 `formed in thefescutcheon y1'18 andthe cord is pro- .vided with .a female connector `104 to receive the male connector with which an appliance may be 5equippcd or the male connector ofa conventional extension cord 107.

The `arrangement shown in Figure ,8 facilitates with- ,drawal of the cord ,55 from its stored position on the reel in the wallfor Aconnection with a Vcurrent-consuming appliance. When the appliance is not in use, the tting 104 `may be disconnected from the appliance or an extension cord and the cord 55 automatically rewound `upon the reel `1,8 ,contained within'thexture or box 110. In this manner the cord 55 may `be stored ina compart- 6 ment in a wall and hence the inconvenience of the presence Vof an exposed extension -cord when the appliance is not in use is eliminated. Furthermore, the extensible cord 55 is at all times adapted for connection to the ap pliance and only the amount of cord necessary to reach the appliance is unwound from the reel 1'8.

The reel construction 18 and the hub members 24 and 24 are formed of material having noncurrent-conducting characteristics and are preferably molded or formed vfrom thermoplastic or thermosettable resins. Such materials as acrylate and methacrylate resins; alkyd resins; vinyl resins such as polymers and copolymers of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate and the like; phenol-formaldehyde resins; polyamid resins; polystyrene; polyethylene; synthetic rubber such as butadiene acrylonitrile, and urea resins are examples of resins suitable for the purpose.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing a moditication of the reel construction supporting means. In this form of construction, the reel hub 22 is formed with bores adapted to receive bearing sleeves 32 and 33 which are pressed or driven into the bores. The current conductors 60 and 61 are engaged by the bushings so that an electrical connection is established between each conductor and theadjacent bushing. -In this form the trunnion pins 28 and 29 are pressed into or driven into suitable bores in the hub members 24 and 25 whereby the pins are nonrotatably supported in the hub members.

The extremities of current conductors 67 and 68 extend into the bores in the hub members and are engaged by the pins when the latter are forced or driven into'the bores in the hubs to establish an electrical connection between each pin and the adjacent conductor. The pins 28 `and 29 are relatively stationary in this form of construction and the bushings 32 and 33 carried by the reel are rotatable upon the pins. The spring 40 of the same construction as spring 40 is connected to the reel and to the hub member 24' and exerts a biasing pressure to Wind the reel in one direction, the biasing pressure also serving to cause continuous engagement between the trunnion pins and the bushings so that circuits are at all times established to the conductors contained in the cord Figures l0 through 13 illustrate a modified form of reel-supporting means, the reel assembly being vsubstantially of the same construction as that shown in Figures l through 3. The reel assembly 21 is rotatably mounted upon a supporting frame or bracket formed of sheet metal. The reel assembly 21" is provided with the journal pins 28 and 29 which are xedly carried in the reel hub 22, the pins extending into openings formed in bearing members 153 and 154. The wires or current conductors contained in the cord 55" are engaged with the pins 28" and `29 in the same manner as shown in Figure 4. The member 153 is formed of suitable nonmetallic molded material such as phenolformaldehyde resin and is formed with a bearing portion 155 which forms a journal for pin 28". The member 154, also of molded lnonmetallic or resinous material, is formed with a bearing portion 156 which journally supports the pin 29".

In this form of the invention the current conductors or wires contained within the `insulating members or sheaths 70" and 71" are secured respectively to resilient or flexible plate-like contact members 158 shown in Figures 12 and 13, each of said contact members having a semicylindrical central portion 159 which has a substantial area of engagement with'the journal pins to establish effective electrical contact therewith. The members 153 and 154 are each formed with slots 160 in communication with a recess 161 which accommodates the plate-like contact members or elements 158 in the manner shown inFigure 13. The plate members 158 may be of flexible metal, for example, spring brass or the like, having good current-conducting char-acteristics. The elements construction shown in Figure 7.

158 may be soldered or otherwise joined to the conductors contained in sheaths 76 and 71 in the manner illustrated at 163 in Figure 13.

Means are provided for embracing and enclosing the exterior portions of members 153 and 154. As shown in Figure l2 the means are in the form of cup-like cap members 165 embracing the bearing members 153 and 154 and functioning as closures for the slots 161i and recesses 161 containing the contact members 158. The cap members are provided with openings to accommodate the conductors contained in the sheaths 70 and 71. Each of the cup-like members 165 is formed with projections 168, as shown in Figures 10, l2 and 13, which extend into openings formed in the leg portions of the support 150, the metal 169 struck up from the openings formed in the support being bent or flexed into engagement with the projections 16S. Through this arrangement, the contact members and the ends of the journal pins are completely enclosed to eliminate electrical shock hazard.

The leg portions of the sheet metal support 150 may be formed with struck-up projections 172 which may be bent or distorted, the projections 172 providing means for relieving stresses upon the connections of the current conductors with the plates 153 in the event that tension is applied or transmitted to the current conductors.

Means may be provided to relieve any stresses at the connections of the pins 23 and 29 with the conductors contained in the cord 55. As shown in Figure 12 the hub portion 22 may be formed with a threaded opening to receive a screw 17d which passes through an opening in a fitting or bracket 175 which is shaped to engage or embrace the cord S5 and secure the co-rd in frictional engagement with the hub of the reel. Through this v means, a tension applied to the cord 55 will be resisted by the fitting or clip 175 so as to prevent the transmission of tension to the connections between the conductors in the cord 55 and the journal pins 28 and 29".

Figure 14 illustrates a modified form of means associated with the hub of the reel for preventing tension or stress o-n the cord being transmitted to the connections vbetween the conductors in the cord and the journal pins supporting the reel. ln this form of construction, the reel hub 22a is molded or fashioned with an outwardly extending hook-like projection 13d whereby the cord 55" may be passed through the opening or recess 181 between the exterior periphery of the hub 22a and the innermost surface of the hook-like projection 189. The `dimension of the recess 131 is suiicient to snugly receive a loop in the cord 55 so that the cord is frictionally secured between the projection and the exterior surface of the hub 22a. The hook-like projection 18@ may be integrally molded with the hub construction.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a modied form of the 1n this'form of the invention7 the reel construction 21a is journally supported upon fittings (not shown) secured in openings 191i formed in supporting portions 191 of molded material such as phenolformaldehyde resin. A casing o-r housing 192 completely encloses the reel construction. 1n this form of the invention, the co-nnectors or current conductors 194 are soldered or otherwise secured to clips or contacts 158 or the clips and connectors may be formed integrally, the clips bearing upon and making the electrical connection with the journal pins supporting the reel. The connectors 19d may be embedded in the supports or members 191, the latter being preferably integrally formed or joined together by suitable means. The connectors 19d may be molded in the supports 191 at the time the supports are formed. The connectors 19e have projecting portions 196 which are spaced to be received in the conventional female electrical outlet tting. The housing 192 may be formed of sheet metal or of molded material such as phenolformaldehyde or other resin or plastic. The housing may be removably secured to the supports 191 by means of screws 198 or the housing may be of a two-piece construction and the portions or vmembers integrally molded with each section of the housing. The housing is provided with an opening 199 accommodating the extension cord 55o to permit the winding and unwinding of the cord upon the reel construction. It will be apparent that the construction shown in Figure 15 completely encloses the movable parts of the reel so as to prevent damage thereto and to eliminate electrical shock hazard,

It is to be understood that the arrangements of the present invention may be adapted for use with various current-consuming appliances and may be incorporated in an appliance in the manner illustrated in Figure 6. The invention is adaptable for incorporation in or for use with appliances such as radio receiving equipment, television receiving equipment, food mixers, grills, coffee makers and other current-consuming devices and is adaptable for use wherever a variable-length or extensible conductor is desired. l

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modications anddifferent arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and Athe present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

I claim: v

1. An electrical connector construction comprising, in combination, a supporting means, a current conductor carrying means comprising a reel-having a hub portion of anv electrically non-conductive material and flanges extending radially therefrom, a pair of axially aligned bearings of electrically conductive materialA mounted in one of said means and a pair of axially aligned trunnions of electrically conductive material mounted in the other of said means, wherein said trunnions and said bearings cooperate to revolvably support said conductor carrying means in said supporting means, each of said trunnions together with its cooperating bearing comprising a mounting means, those portions of said supporting means adjacent each of said mounting means being of anrelectrically non-conductive material, said mounting means extending axially into said hub portion from opposite sides thereof and electrically insulated from each other, said hub portion formed with a pair of openings terminating adjacent said mounting means, a rs't pair of current conductors individually coated with electrical insulation material each having one end extending into one of said openings and terminating within said hub portion, said insulation covering on said conductors extending to a point within said hub portion, the extreme end of the conductive portion of each of said conductors within said hub portion being bared, wherein the bar ed conductive portion of one of said conductors is in wedging engagement with one of said mounting means and the conductive portion of the other of said conductors is in wedging engagement with the other of said mounting means, a second pair of current conductorsindividually'coated with electrical insulation material each having one insulated end terminating in said supporting means, said insulatoncovering on said conductors extending to a point within the non-conductiveportion of said mounting means, wherein the conductivevportion of one of said second pair of conductors is in frictional engagement with one of said mounting means within said supporting means and the conductive portion of the other of said second pair of conductors'is n frictional engagement with the other of said mounting means Within said supporting means, spring biasing means biasing said reel in one direction of rotation, one end of vsaid biasing means secured to said reel and the other end' of said biasing means secured to said supporting means at a po-int electrically insulatedfrom said mounting means whereby said conductors and said mounting means define electrical circuits which are insulation covered by said hub portion, said non-conductive portion of said supporting means, and said insulation coatings.

2. An electrical connector construction comprising, in combination, a supporting means of electrically non-conductive material, a reel of electrically non-conductive material, said reel having a hub portion, said hub portion formed with axial openings extending axially into said hub from opposite sides thereof and a pair of radial openings extending from the periphery of said hub portion to said axial openings, one of said radial openings disposed near each side of said hub portion, a pair of electrically conductive trunnions mounted in said axial openings, said trunnions electrically insulated one from the other said supporting means formed with two axially aligned bores therein and a third pair of openings one of each of which communicates with each of said bores, a pair of electrically conductive bearings disposed with one in each of said bores, wherein said bearings and said trunnions cooperate to revolvably support said reel in said supporting means, first and second pairs of current conductors, each conductor individually coated with electrical insulation material, one end of one of said first pair of conductors extending into one of said radial openings and one end of the other of said first pair of conductors extending into the other of said radial openings, one end of one of said second pair of conductors extending into one of said third pair of openings and one end of the other of `said second pair of conductors extending into the other of said third pair of openings, said insulation coating on each of said conductors extending into and terminating within said openings respectively, the extreme end of the conductive portion of each of said conductors within said openings being bared wherein the bared conductive portion of one of each of said first pair of conductors is in wedging contact with one-of each of said bearings and the bared conductive portion of one of each of said second pair of conductors is in wedging contact with one of each of said trunnions, spring biasing means biasing said reel in one direction of rotation, one end of said biasing means secured to said reel and the other end of said biasing means secured to said supporting means, the end of each of said axial bores disposed outwardly from said reel closed with electrically non-conductive material whereby said conductors, said bearings and said trunnions dene a pair of electrical paths which are insulation covered by said hub portion, said supporting means and said insulation coatings.

3. An electrical connector construction comprising, in combination, a supporting means of electrically nonconductive material, a reel of electrically non-conductive material, said reel having a hub portion, said hub portion formed with axial openings extending axially into said hub from opposite sides thereof and a pair of radial openings extending from the periphery of said hub portion to said axial openings, one of said radial openings disposed near each side of said hub portion, a pair of electrically conductive bearings mounted in said axial openings, said bearings electrically insulated one from the other, said supporting means formed with two axially aligned bores therein and a third pair of openings one of each of which communicates with each of said bores, a pair of electrically conductive trunnions disposed with one in each of said bores, wherein said bearings and trunnions cooperate to revolvably support said reel in said supporting means, first and second pairs of current conductors, each conductor individually coated with electrical insulation material, one end of one of said first pair of conductors extending into one of said radial openings and one end of the other of said irst pair of conductors extending into the other of said radial openings, one end of one of said second pair of conductors extending into one of said third pair of openings and one end of the other of said second pair of conductors extending into the other of said third pair of openings, said insulation coating on each of said conductors extending into and terminating within said openings respectively, the extreme end of the conductive portion of each of said conductors within said openings being bared wherein the bared conductive portion of one of each of said first pair of conductors is in wedging contact with one of each of said trunnions and the bared conductive portion of one of each of said second pair of conductors is in wedging contact with one of each of said bearings, spring biasing means biasing said reel in one direction of rotation, one end of said biasing means secured to said reel and the other end of said biasing means secured to said supporting means, the ends of said bores disposed outwardly from said reels closed by electrically non-conductive materiah whereby said conductors, said bearings and said trunnions define a pair of electrical paths which are insulation covered by said hub portion, said supporting means and said insulation coatings.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 609,972 Murphy Aug. 30, 1898 808,894 Berry Jan. 2, 1906 846,778 Christman Mar. 12, 1907 913,432 Rew Feb. 23, 1909 1,640,507 Liebing Aug. 30, 1927 1,978,734 Apple et al Oct. 30, 1934 2,016,441 Kelley Oct. 8, 1935 2,115,642 Martin Apr. 26, 1938 2,312,795 Brownstein Mar. 2, 1943 2,440,719 Karp et al. May 4, 1948 2,514,628 Cortes July 11, 1950 

